How is calcium pyruvate marketed?Calcium Pyruvate is a combination of two nutrients - calcium and pyruvic acid. This combination is stable and is easily absorbed than calcium by itself. Calcium pyruvate is descrived as an aid to the body in turning sugars and starches which typically dwarf the results of any diet, into fuel to power your quick weight loss. Most commercial product with the strength of 750 mg / unit. There is a huge variation in price.

Pyruvate is commonly used for weight loss, cholesterol, cataracts, cancer and athletic performance. Some people apply pyruvic acid to the skin to reduce winkles (not sure if it works).___________________________________________________________________________________

The inotropic effects of pyruvate are most impressive in hearts that have been reversibly injured (stunned) by ischemia/reperfusion stress. According to Reference [5], metabolic inotropism by pyruvate increases cardiac energy reserves and bolsters the endogenous glutathione antioxidant system. Pyruvate enhancement of cardiac function may result from one or more of the following mechanisms: increased cytosolic ATP phosphorylation potential and Gibbs free energy of ATP hydrolysis, enhanced sarcoplasmic reticular calcium ion uptake and release, decreased cytosolic inorganic phosphate concentration, oxyradical scavenging via direct neutralization of peroxides and/or enhancement of the intracellular glutathione/NADPH antioxidant system, and/or closure of mitochondrial permeability transition pores. [5]

DiabeteTexas researchers further found that pyruvate-dihydroxyacetone supplementation improved the insulin sensitivity of insulin resistant rats and reduced plasma cholesterol levels induced by a high cholesterol diet as well as lowered blood pressure and heart rate in obese individuals. [2]

Pyruvate Benefits - LiverIn another study, Bulgarian researchers applied pyruvate infusions in patients with alcoholic liver disease. They observed that sodium pyruvate treatment resulted in significantly decreased serum AST, ALT, AP, GGT, and total bilirubin. In addition, they also noted the improvement of liver function from the significantly decreased Combined Clinical and Laboratory Index. This study also demonstrated the good therapeutic effectiveness and good tolerance of sodium pyruvate infusions in patients with alcohol liver disease. They explained the benefits of rapid gain of ATP and GTP, required to redress defective cells, and to antioxidant action of pyruvate. [7]

Pyruvate may be used as anti-toxic agent for neural protection.Because zinc neurotoxicity is likely one of the key mechanisms of ischemic brain injury, Korean researchers tested the beneficial effects of pyruvate on rats with transient forebrain ischemia. They found that pyruvate almost completely blocked zinc toxicity but did not attenuate calcium-overload neuronal death. [8]

Pyruvate Benefits on cataractIt has been reported that oral administration of sodium pyruvate inhibits oxidative stress and cataract formation in diabetic animals. In a study, diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin. At the onset of diabetes, an eye drop preparation containing 2.5% sodium pyruvate was administered six times a day at 90-minute intervals. Treatment was continued for 6 weeks. Treatment with pyruvate eye drops was found to be significantly effective in inhibiting protein glycation. [A3]

Pyruvate Benefits on WrinklesPyruvic acid has the ability to stimulate new collagen production and elastic fibers formation. It penetrates rapidly and deeply through the skin, so far as to be considered a potent chemical peel agent. It has proven its efficacy for the treatment of many dermatological conditions such as acne, superficial scarring, photodamage, and pigmentary disorders. A special formula of 50% pyruvic acid was found to be safe and effective to treat photodamage, melasma, and superficial scarring. [A4] In fact, as early as in 2004, researchers in Italy showed that 50% pyruvic acid peeling can be proposed as a safe and efficient treatment for moderate facial skin aging. [A4]

Pyruvate weight lossPyruvate claims of boosting metabolism, decreasing appetite, and aiding in weight loss need further study. [A1] However, researchers from The University of Texas at Austin noticed that infusion of pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone directly into the blood produced strong metabolic effects. When chronically fed to animals as part of their diet, pyruvate plus dihydroxyacetone reduce the rate of weight gain and body fat content during growth. These alterations in growth pattern appear to be the result of an increased loss of calories as heat at the expense of storage of lipid. [A1] While, in a six-week study, 34 overweight subjucts ate low-fat diets, while some took 22-44 grams of pyruvate and others a placebo. At the end of the study, pyruvate group lost 38 percent more weight than the placebo group and experienced a 48-percent loss of body fat. [A2] Dosage requirement to achieve weight loss is about 3-5 g. [A2]_______________________________________________________________________________

Are there side effects of pyruvate?In a study of acne, researchers found complete remission in some patients and no side effects. Pyruvic acid therapy is an effective, safe and well-tolerated procedure in the study. [6] However, oral intake of high doses of pyruvate may lead to side effects of gastrointestinal disturbance - such as bloating, gas or diarrhea.

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